On a More Serious Note with Townes

[WilsonHog]

I weathered 9-19 and 12-16 seasons with barely a complaint against Stan Heath.

I wasn't happy when he declined the NIT, but I decided to abide.

I was pleased with last season.

I don't know a great deal about the technical aspects of basketball. I leave that to the guys like Niels and ImHogginIt. As a result you will very rarely see me criticize Heath on pure basketball.

However, if Townes is allowed to return to the team this season after walking out in the middle of a game, I'm done with Heath.

Conversely, if Heath acts decisively I'm with him 100%.

That kind of thing cannot happen without serious consequences. Simply cannot. 

 

[Pignominious]

Agreed, on Townes that is.  If Heath blows this off he has no backbone.  Townes should be kicked off the squad.

[Hank351]

I agree.  RB told me this would happen this year.  Said last year that Townes was the cancer that caused so much grief, and the way that Heath babies him is the reason so many other players don't respect him as a coach.  Be done with him.  Sign his release right now.

[weevilhogg]

I've been a big heath supporter, but if things are the way they seem and he allows Townes back, screw it. .. .I'm off the wagon.

[Hoggy Hoggerton]

Yes, I hoping this will turn into a positive for the team.  Maybe Hill will take his game to the next level, and one of the young guys can pick their game up too.  

[HawgG]

I weathered 9-19 and 12-16 seasons with barely a complaint against Stan Heath.

I wasn't happy when he declined the NIT, but I decided to abide.

I was pleased with last season.

I don't know a great deal about the technical aspects of basketball. I leave that to the guys like Niels and ImHogginIt. As a result you will very rarely see me criticize Heath on pure basketball.

However, if Townes is allowed to return to the team this season after walking out in the middle of a game, I'm done with Heath.

Conversely, if Heath acts decisively I'm with him 100%.

That kind of thing cannot happen without serious consequences . Simply cannot. 

 

I agree with almost everything you said Wilson.We saw it in FB with Nutt,these coaches put up with more crap from these wanna be superstars now a days because they have to win games or their fired.Frankly if I was a teammate of Darrian I would be mad as hell at him for walking out on the team.All the other guys are out there working hard trying to win games as a team as a Razorback,and here 's this sucker telling me I don't care about winning games , I don't care about my teammates,I don't care about my coaches,and I don't care about the University or it's fans.As good as a player Townes can be at times,putting up with his BS isn't worth it.I don't know what is going to happen the rest of this season, but I would rather go to war with the 10 or 11 young men that wants to be a Razorback and wants to win as a Team.I also am not coaching so I don't have to worry about my job.Bottomline is that Darrian doesn't have any pride and he never will.

[beachhawg]

i missed it , what happened?

[fourthcrusade]

I agree.  RB told me this would happen this year.  Said last year that Townes was the cancer that caused so much grief, and the way that Heath babies him is the reason so many other players don't respect him as a coach.  Be done with him.  Sign his release right now.

Agreed.

But Heath doesn't really baby him anymore, ie this season.

It's different now, which is why Townes is pouting more and playing less.

Hopefully he comes out and apolgizes to the WHOLE TEAM, though I think it's probably too late.

[Pignominious]

I agree with almost everything you said Wilson.We saw it in FB with Nutt,these coaches put up with more crap from these wanna be superstars now a days because they have to win games or their fired.Frankly if I was a teammate of Darrian I would be mad as hell at him for walking out on the team.All the other guys are out there working hard trying to win games as a team as a Razorback,and here 's this sucker telling me I don't care about winning games , I don't care about my teammates,I don't care about my coaches,and I don't care about the University or it's fans.As good as a player Townes can be at times,putting up with his BS isn't worth it.I don't know what is going to happen the rest of this season, but I would rather go to war with the 10 or 11 young men that wants to be a Razorback and wants to win as a Team.I also am not coaching so I don't have to worry about my job.Bottomline is that Darrian doesn't have any pride and he never will.

Good call HawgG.  I quoted you do you mind

[ErieHog]

I've been very wait-and-see with Heath;  I've tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.   If this Townes thing really is as bad as it sounds,  I can't see keeping him unless his team does something surprising the rest of the way, like make the Elite Eight.

I'd even suffer a program-cancer like Townes to be relevant in basketball again.

[TennesseeRaz]

Maybe Townes can take Nutt with him?

[fourthcrusade]

i missed it , what happened?

Quoted from others in a thread in the DicksonStreetTavern now:

"I sit  practically behind the bench.  Heath lit into Cranford and Townes for playing soft and not playing defense.  Cranford was pissed and walked around the outside of the huddle.  Townes jawed with Heath, then Cyprien, then Hipsher before several players tried calming him down.

Play resumed with Townes on the bench.  Heath squatted in front of him and had some more words that I couldn't make out.  When Heath sat down, Townes got up, untucked his jersey and headed for the tunnel.  A few players yelled out his name for him to come back.  He never returned, nor should he.

....  Townes doesn't give 100% and when called on it, pouts.  He is apparently not concerned with walking out on his team in the middle of a game.  I say hand him his release tonight."

Good to see Heath trying to light a fire under his players, imo

The sooner Townes is gone the better

The LESS Townes plays, the BETTER Hill Does!

[whatsshakinbacon]

I remember in 1988-89 when Mario Credit left the team for a couple of days.  Most never heard about it but he was getting pushed a little hard and needed some time away.  He came back and finished out the season.

I say all that to say sometimes we don't know the whole story.  Maybe something is going on in Townes' life right now that makes him react this way.  Maybe not.  I will leave the discipline of the team up to Heath.

Bacon out...

[Vidhog]

Yes, I hoping this will turn into a positive for the team.  Maybe Hill will take his game to the next level, and one of the young guys can pick their game up too.  

I can live with a Steven Hill struggling while trying his best than having Townes come back and being somewhat of an inside scorer.

I remember in 1988-89 when Mario Credit left the team for a couple of days.  Most never heard about it but he was getting pushed a little hard and needed some time away.  He came back and finished out the season.

I say all that to say sometimes we don't know the whole story.  Maybe something is going on in Townes' life right now that makes him react this way.  Maybe not.  I will leave the discipline of the team up to Heath.

Bacon out...

And I will reserve my judgment until the whole story comes out. Good point.

[Brand X Hog Fan]

Oh boy! More drama! It was starting to get a little mundane here in Hogville ! Taking Bacon's wisdom in advisement, it is time for some definitive action against Townes if he is simply a malcontent. Too bad too. I was really high on him his freshman year.

[JAMAHog]

I totally agree, Bacon.  We sometimes have a knee-jerk reaction to things we don't know the full story on.  We have to trust Heath, he knows these guys and will do what needs to be done with Townes.  I think those who rush to judgement are being irresponsible.  

[Hank351]

Townes does have an issue...He is frickin' Bi Polar!!!

[Bruinstyle2001]

I agree with almost everything you said Wilson.We saw it in FB with Nutt,these coaches put up with more crap from these wanna be superstars now a days because they have to win games or their fired.Frankly if I was a teammate of Darrian I would be mad as hell at him for walking out on the team.All the other guys are out there working hard trying to win games as a team as a Razorback,and here 's this sucker telling me I don't care about winning games , I don't care about my teammates,I don't care about my coaches,and I don't care about the University or it's fans.As good as a player Townes can be at times,putting up with his BS isn't worth it.I don't know what is going to happen the rest of this season, but I would rather go to war with the 10 or 11 young men that wants to be a Razorback and wants to win as a Team.I also am not coaching so I don't have to worry about my job.Bottomline is that Darrian doesn't have any pride and he never will.

I might be the only one that notes the irony, but I find it funny that people would be all in support of Heath drawing a "line in the sand" but blast Nutt for doing the same thing.  Regardless of your beliefs about Nutt's offensive philosophy or his character, doesn't it come down to the same thing?  Either you want to be a Razorback or you don't.  As the above HawgG noted and I wholeheartedly agree, I would rather have a whole team of people that wanted to go to war with me than a group of talented INDIVIDUALS. 

Townes has shown to me he is not totally committed to being a Razorback at the present moment (perhaps there are contributing factors we are not aware of at the moment), but if he does not want to put forth the effort then he should go.  In much the same fashion, Damian decided he does not wish to be a Razorback any more and thus he needed to be gone.  In my opinion, it speaks to the character of Nutt that he gave him an unconditional release.

[fourthcrusade]

I might be the only one that notes the irony, but I find it funny that people would be all in support of Heath drawing a "line in the sand" but blast Nutt for doing the same thing.  Regardless of your beliefs about Nutt's offensive philosophy or his character, doesn't it come down to the same thing?  Either you want to be a Razorback or you don't.  As the above HawgG noted and I wholeheartedly agree, I would rather have a whole team of people that wanted to go to war with me than a group of talented INDIVIDUALS. 

Townes has shown to me he is not totally committed to being a Razorback at the present moment (perhaps there are contributing factors we are not aware of at the moment), but if he does not want to put forth the effort then he should go.  In much the same fashion, Damian decided he does not wish to be a Razorback any more and thus he needed to be gone.  In my opinion, it speaks to the character of Nutt that he gave him an unconditional release.

Townes was not told "you are going to play post" during recruiting and then Stan says "TOWNES, YOU'RE THE POINT GUARD" in a game.

TOTALLY different!

Also NO ONE KNEW PUBLICLY Damien was unhappy, he didn't show it or tell reporters... only the LEAK of the 'parents meeting' threw it out there, but Stevie Wonder could see Townes is unhappy

Townes WANTS attention when he pouts, DW HID from attention when he was unhappy

Sheesh

[spahoopsfan]

I might be the only one that notes the irony, but I find it funny that people would be all in support of Heath drawing a "line in the sand" but blast Nutt for doing the same thing.  Regardless of your beliefs about Nutt's offensive philosophy or his character, doesn't it come down to the same thing?  Either you want to be a Razorback or you don't.  As the above HawgG noted and I wholeheartedly agree, I would rather have a whole team of people that wanted to go to war with me than a group of talented INDIVIDUALS. 

Townes has shown to me he is not totally committed to being a Razorback at the present moment (perhaps there are contributing factors we are not aware of at the moment), but if he does not want to put forth the effort then he should go.  In much the same fashion, Damian decided he does not wish to be a Razorback any more and thus he needed to be gone.  In my opinion, it speaks to the character of Nutt that he gave him an unconditional release.

The Townes issue and Williams issue are totally different.  I can't believe you can't see the difference. Williams left after the season; HE asked for the release; he needed to get it done before the new semester; and he didn't quit on the team. NONE of those things apply to Townes.  That dog won't hunt.

[Bruinstyle2001]

Townes was not told "you are going to play post" during recruiting and then Stan says "TOWNES, YOU'RE THE POINT GUARD" in a game.

TOTALLY different!

Also NO ONE KNEW PUBLICLY Damien was unhappy, he didn't show it or tell reporters... only the LEAK of the 'parents meeting' threw it out there, but Stevie Wonder could see Townes is unhappy

Townes WANTS attention when he pouts, DW HID from attention when he was unhappy

Sheesh

I don't few people know exactly what the recruits where promised, but that is another issue. 

The comparison remains: if you are not on the same page with the team, then you are likely to be detrimental to it.  The team is bigger than the individual.  If you are not happy here, then find a place you will be happy.  Etcetera.

I think both Nutt and Heath were/are perfectly right to draw a line in the sand.  Drama and conflict only brews further problems and distractions.  Deal with the issues in house and make decisions with the team in mind.

[Footballref]

I was at the game tonight and set behind the scorers table but I did not hear the tongue lashings.
I completely missed the whole thing but my wife said she see that he walked off but she thought that
he might have had to go take a S#$%.
I was to busy yelling at the refs tonight because they were bad at times.

[VetRock]

I've been a big heath supporter, but if things are the way they seem and he allows Townes back, screw it. .. .I'm off the wagon.

Wow A big statement from a huge stan defender!

[hillhog]

I also was at the game, missed the Townes affair, did not miss Townes, Hill showed hustle,effort, Ervin pleasant surprise, couple of the coaches after the players finally, loud enough to hear it up in the thin atmosphere. Go Hogs, get after Alabama Saturday

[BPPig]

He had been playing well up until the TX game. I am clueless. I was wondering why they had MW in the post. Lord, it seems melodrama is a prerequisite for Hawg sports.

[hogninja]

Heath addressed it after the game. He said that Townes was upset and he sat him down to cool him off.  He also said that he would address the issue immediatly.  He said he wanted him to cool off before he did so.
Heath has such an even keel, I think he thinks a "hot" moment happened and he will disarm it.  Jeez, if he gets on them for not producing, that is what he is supposed to do.  If they are not used to it and get mad, he just has to say "get used to it, if I need to fire you up I will".  Isn't this what we have been yelling for? :razorback:

[TomasPistola]

Townes won't be kicked off the team. Seems as though Heath will have a little sit down with him and I betcha he's the 12th man for a little bit...but he'll be outta the doghouse in a month or two.

[Boarcephus]

Where's Rashard Sullivan when you really need him?

We know how Eddie Sutton dealt with a situation like this when Willie Cutts walked out in the middle of game.  Outta here.  Nolan scared the bejeeezus out his players and they were scared to death to piss that man off so none of them walked.  Stan needs to step up to the plate and cut him loose.  Break his plate as a figure of speech and let him make his own way.

One last thing....Cranford doesn't need to get pissy.  He's lucky to be on scholarship.

[waphill]

Just give Washington Townes' minutes. I think he has a big upside and at least he plays his butt off when he's out there.

[JusJim]

Not sure if this information is correct or not, but they were talking on an early morning call in show, that Townes was told to "leave the court" by Heath.....he didn't just get up and leave.

Not saying one is better than the other, just relaying the story I heard.

[Fatty McGee]

Yes, I hoping this will turn into a positive for the team.  Maybe Hill will take his game to the next level, and one of the young guys can pick their game up too.  

Not a chance.  Townes is the only low post back-to-the-basket scorer we have.  His departure will not be a good thing.

He needed to be kicked off the bench last night, but it's not necessary to kick him off the team.

[jkstock04]

Quoted from others in a thread in the DicksonStreetTavern now:

"I sit  practically behind the bench.  Heath lit into Cranford and Townes for playing soft and not playing defense.  Cranford was pissed and walked around the outside of the huddle.  Townes jawed with Heath, then Cyprien, then Hipsher before several players tried calming him down.

Play resumed with Townes on the bench.  Heath squatted in front of him and had some more words that I couldn't make out.  When Heath sat down, Townes got up, untucked his jersey and headed for the tunnel.  A few players yelled out his name for him to come back.  He never returned, nor should he.

....  Townes doesn't give 100% and when called on it, pouts.  He is apparently not concerned with walking out on his team in the middle of a game.  I say hand him his release tonight."

Good to see Heath trying to light a fire under his players, imo

The sooner Townes is gone the better

The LESS Townes plays, the BETTER Hill Does!

I fell asleep while watching the game so I guess I missed all of this...lol.  Townes is the perfect example of a waste of talent, his attitude and lazyness will be the downfall of him. 

[zebra]

He was NOT told to leave the court, I could tell by the coaches faces they were suprised he was leaving.  The time-out following the departure, Coach Hipsher sent their GA in to the lockerroom, and he came back out and wispered something to Hipsher.

He was throwing a fit, because he wasn't get to play, and got yelled at.

Mike Nail played it so cool after the game on the post game interview, he casually mentioned, "Townes did not get to see any time in the second half".  Stan followed it up with he got hot, we will talk with him.  As if everything would be okay.  I hope Stan flexes or finds a backbone on this one, and sits him for four of five games or relases him.

[Conway Cool Daddy]

My question is why has Townes not been starting in the first place? He is the only dependable offense in the paint.
Was Heath just trying to send a message? Fire him up? Well if so, he definitely got fired up.

It must be frustrating as heck playing the center position with these no passing guards.

Hopefully Townes will come to his senses and not piss away the rest of the season. He will cost us at least 4-5
games if he leaves or doesn't play.

[tobs54]

After watching Townes' display of selfishness last night (assuming he was not told to leave the bench), I think that Heath should suspend him for a couple of games and then make his work his a$$ of to get back into the rotation.  He is one of our best offensive big men, but he is inconsistent and his work ethic and hustle on court is terrible.  Maybe this will be the spark he needs to fire his a$$ up, and turn it around for him.

[fourthcrusade]

My question is why has Townes not been starting in the first place? He is the only dependable offense in the paint.
Was Heath just trying to send a message? Fire him up? Well if so, he definitely got fired up.

It must be frustrating as heck playing the center position with these no passing guards.

Hopefully Townes will come to his senses and not piss away the rest of the season. He will cost us at least 4-5
games if he leaves or doesn't play.

Because townes can't play a LICK of defense... which is exactly why he was benched and yelled at yesterday, mighty Tulsa was SCHOOLING him inside.

[HognotinMemphis]

Poor shooting at home last night. Did Townes cause that? Something like 22 of 52 from the field? Never thought I would see that at a home game.

Was there really over 16,000 in attendence or is that exaggerated?

[TRUHOG718]

Townes let his team down. No matter how bad things get you dont leave your team.....ever...... Ive been a Townes supporter this year because I thought he had turned a corner with his BS. If he would use this aggression when playing defense he would not be in this mess. I dont want to see him go but I would support the decision if he does. And if he does get he boot Washington your gonna have to grow up real quick cause were gonna need you. In the words of PROP JOE from the wire "Man I didnt see this one coming."

[Biggus Piggus]

I agree.  RB told me this would happen this year.  Said last year that Townes was the cancer that caused so much grief, and the way that Heath babies him is the reason so many other players don't respect him as a coach.  Be done with him.  Sign his release right now.

This is the story of Heath's coaching tenure at Arkansas.  Darian Townes has been a huge problem ever since he set foot on campus.  The guy couldn't get along with Ronnie Brewer for goodness' sake.  A bona fide first round NBA draft pick, and Townes couldn't respect him.  Rashard Sullivan clashed with Townes and came out on the losing end.  Townes was a major part of the season-ending wilt in 2005.  Heath has allowed Townes to drag down the entire team over and over.  I don't know which was a worse recruiting mistake, Lamptey or Townes.  In both cases, the preference for size at all costs over team chemistry said something about how Heath wants to run a team.

[fourthcrusade]

This is the story of Heath's coaching tenure at Arkansas.  Darian Townes has been a huge problem ever since he set foot on campus.  The guy couldn't get along with Ronnie Brewer for goodness' sake.  A bona fide first round NBA draft pick, and Townes couldn't respect him.  Rashard Sullivan clashed with Townes and came out on the losing end.  Townes was a major part of the season-ending wilt in 2005.  Heath has allowed Townes to drag down the entire team over and over.  I don't know which was a worse recruiting mistake, Lamptey or Townes.  In both cases, the preference for size at all costs over team chemistry said something about how Heath wants to run a team.

What's interesting is, with Coach THOMPSON gone to ball state, and with michael washington coming along, can stan cut him now and let him go play for thompson, or do we still need his inside scoring?...

THAT is the million $ question -- do his contributions still outweigh the negativity?

[WhenPigsFly]

Almost all the game stories from last nite are reporting that Townes was TOLD to go to the locker room following the exchange with Heath.  Of course, this is coming from Heath himself.  I have a hard time believing Townes walked out and Heath immediately made up the "told to leave" story to cover him.

Hopefully they'll get things resolved quickly and Townes will realize how important he can be to this team.  A win over Alabama would be a nice way to start the conference season.

[Conway Cool Daddy]

I just hate to see us relying on Hunter and Hill to control the paint.
Unless Washington comes on this could be a long year.

Didn't know about all of the negativity, Biggus.
Thanks for sharing.

[mountainhog]

Gotta play some defense at some point.

Sideways yet?  Huh? huh?

[spudhog]

he should not be able to play for a week. let him see what he is doing to his teamates.  the team should have a vote. take him back or not.

[TRUHOG718]

he should not be able to play for a week. let him see what he is doing to his teamates.  the team should have a vote. take him back or not.

Good point with the team vote.

[kgr]

Was that discipline we saw employed by an Arkansas coach? 

People deserve an opportunity to correct their mistakes, one does go to college to learn (I know a stupid thought)

If he apologizes to the coach, the team and publically to the fans, (as his display was in public during a game) and straightens his rear up, then keep him~but on a short probation leash.

If he doesn't, then don't let the door knob hit him where the dog shoulda' bit him.  That will mean more than any 4 games for which he might make a difference. 

[fourthcrusade]

he should not be able to play for a week. let him see what he is doing to his teamates.  the team should have a vote. take him back or not.

yeah hadn't thought of that, since he is killing chemistry on court and in the locker room, why not ask the team?

good idea.

[TRUHOG718]

Another concern of mine is why now? Right before conference play. His teamates deserve better. I hope this gets resolved quick because this cant be allowed to linger into the game with Bama. Deal with it Heath and lets move on with our season. At least Heath is showing who runs the ship. Row Row or walk the plank.

Townes needs to take a page from Thomas. The guy came in wanting to play the 3 and was willing to back up Sonny to do so. Thomas worked on his shot and handle all summer, but when it wasnt working out Heath let him know your a better power forward and he accepted the challenge which is paying off now. for the team. Gary Ervin has been on Heath's hot seat all year but he worked harder and its paying off as well.

I hope Townes reads this board because he needs to do some soul searching, apologize to his team, fans and the state of Arkansas and come back in kick arse mode for the rest of the season if he is allowed to return. But if you see no wrong in the events that happened last night. Turn in your rifle, boots and helmet and let the real soldiers finish this war without you.

Albert Einstein quotes
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."
"It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride." WPS

[fourthcrusade]

Another concern of mine is why now? Right before conference play. His teamates deserve better. I hope this gets resolved quick because this cant be allowed to linger into the game with Bama. Deal with it Heath and lets move on with our season. At least Heath is showing who runs the ship. Row Row or walk the plank.

Townes needs to take a page from Thomas. The guy came in wanting to play the 3 and was willing to back up Sonny to do so. Thomas worked on his shot and handle all summer, but when it wasnt working out Heath let him know your a better power forward and he accepted the challenge which is paying off now. for the team. Gary Ervin has been on Heath's hot seat all year but he worked harder and its paying off as well.

I hope Townes reads this board because he needs to do some soul searching, apologize to his team, fans and the state of Arkansas and come back in kick arse mode for the rest of the season if he is allowed to return. But if you see no wrong in the events that happened last night. Turn in your rifle, boots and helmet and let the real soldiers finish this war without you.

Albert Einstein quotes
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
“It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride.” WPS

Couldn't have summed it up better.  Thomas responded like a man.  Townes responded like a boy.  If given the chance, he can choose to respond and fix this mess for his team and his coaches.

[Anon2]

At what point of the game did this happen?  Wife taped the game, so I would like to go back and see if it was shown on TV.